A top House Democrat on Friday made an unusual comparison in describing Mitt Romney’s struggle to woo Hispanic voters, arguing that the first step for the former Massachusetts governor, as for an alcoholic, is to acknowledge that he has a problem.

Romney’s campaign responded to the remarks in a statement to Univision:

“These comments are unfortunate, but they aren’t surprising given the desperate and negative reelection campaign President Obama is running,” responded Romney adviser Albert Martinez. “Democrats are lashing out with outrageous rhetoric because they’re frustrated at the reality that President Obama broke his promise to Hispanic voters while his party controlled Congress.”